With the Premier League set to get underway this Saturday, 13 August 2011, let’s preview the opening fixtures.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
The season kicks off with Blackburn taking on Wolves at Edwood Park. Last season, the Rovers trumped Wolves in both fixtures, including a narrow 3-2 win on the final day of the Premier League season. Former Birmingham City centre-back Roger Johnson will be making his highly anticipated debut for Wolves. Expect this one to be an intense affair, with Wolves edging out a victory.
Fulham vs. Aston Villa
Expect this match to be another hard-fought game between these two teams. With both of last season’s fixtures ending in draws, don’t be surprised if this one ends in a stalemate, despite Villa looking as if they’re the better side. Shay Given and Charles N’Zogbia are set to make their debuts for Villa, while former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise is expected to earn his start for Fulham.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland
Expect the Merseysiders to take the full three points in their opening fixture versus Sunderland. Liverpool took four out of six points from the Black Cats last season and despite their plethora of new signings, Liverpool remain the favorites to win this fixture. Sunderland’s new signings include: Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner, Sebastian Larrson, and David Vaughan. Liverpool are set to unveil their midfield signings Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, and Stewart Downing.
Queens Park Rangers vs. Bolton Wanderers
This fixture is a tough one to predict. With Queens Park Rangers fresh off a dominant season in the Championship, they have what it takes to knock off Bolton. Since the game is at Loftus Road, Rangers chances look very good. Bolton had the worst away record in the entire Premier League last season. Notable debuts include DJ Campbell, Danny Gabbidon, and Kieron Dyer, all of which play for QPR.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton
What a clash this one promises to be at White Hart Lane. Spurs are looking for revenge after Everton was able to draw at White Hart Lane, en route to winning the second fixture between the two clubs at Goodison Park. If Van der Vaart is fully fit, Spurs must be the favorites, but a stalemate seems quite more than possible. American goalkeeper Brad Friedel is making his debut for Spurs.
Wigan Athletic vs. Norwich City
Although Wigan were able to retain the services of goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, they do not look an improved side. One would think that a team that narrowly escaped relegation would do a bit more to remain in the Premier League the following season, but Wigan have not done much at all. The club was unable to replace standout Tom Cleverley, who has since returned to his parent-club Manchester United following a one-year loan spell with the Latics. On the other hand, Premier League newcomers Norwich City have made some great moves this summer to help bolster their squad. The additions of Kyle Naughton, Steve Morison, James Vaughan, Ritchie De Laet, Elliott Bennett, and Anthony Pilkington may be enough to keep the Canaries in England’s top-flight. Expect Norwich City to get their Premier League campaign off to a winning start at DW Stadium this Saturday.
Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
We all remember the Magpies historic four goal comeback at the expense of Arsene Wenger and the Gunners last season. It’s safe to say that the Gunners won’t take the Toon lightly this time around. This match looks to be another cracking game at St James’ Park. After 90 minutes, count on the Gunners coming out on top, with Newcastle putting up a good fight. Gervinho is set to make his debut for Arsenal and could well likely be the player to watch out for. For Newcastle, new signings Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Mehdi Abeid, and Sylvain Marveaux will be looking to make their debuts.
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